A new clinical discussion tool, GAIN, has been developed to help physicians discuss potential reasons for using long-acting injectable antipsychotic therapies with patients. The tool addresses barriers such as needle phobia and stigma, aiming to increase patient acceptance and adherence.
Researchers led by Dr. Robert C. Young are conducting studies to investigate the effects of medications on older adults with bipolar depression, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The studies focus on quetiapine and lamotrigine, and will help better manage care for geriatric bipolar patients.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have reviewed the neurobiology of wisdom, identifying key brain regions involved in its attributes such as empathy, compassion and emotional stability. The study suggests an optimal balance between primitive and pre-frontal cortex brain regions may enhance wisdom.
A new study found that Naltrexone significantly reduced stealing behavior in individuals with kleptomania. The research suggests the drug may offer hope for those struggling with the condition, particularly when used in combination with individual therapy.
Research links sleep disturbances to higher risk of suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts in adults. Scientists found a strong association between early morning awakening and increased likelihood of suicidal behaviors.
Researchers found that women with severe mental illness are more likely to have been abused in childhood than the general population, with a twofold increased risk compared to healthy women. In contrast, no such association was found in men.
A long-term study found that adults with a history of anorexia nervosa are more likely to experience mental health issues. The research, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry and International Journal of Eating Disorders, also showed improved reproductive outcomes for those who had recovered from anorexia.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that modafinil can reduce weight gain associated with olanzapine treatment. The study showed that subjects receiving olanzapine and modafinil experienced less weight gain than those receiving only olanzapine.
Recent studies in epigenetics provide new understanding of how environmental factors influence brain function and behavior, potentially explaining the complex nature of mental illness. Epigenetic changes can be long-lived and influenced by life experiences, psychotropic drugs, and psychotherapy.
Smokers carrying a specific gene variant are more susceptible to concentration problems and cognitive deficits during abstinence, increasing the risk of relapse. The study paves the way for novel medications to treat nicotine addiction.
The Genomic Psychiatry Cohort aims to identify genetic factors leading to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a large-scale population study. The initiative, led by USC researchers, will collect data from 40,000 subjects and become a major resource for researchers worldwide.
The study finds that Pittsburgh Compound B can detect amyloid deposition in the brains of clinically older adults, potentially opening the door to early diagnosis and prevention strategies. Detailed tests show no decrease in functioning among participants with Alzheimer-associated plaques, suggesting a window of opportunity to slow or ...
A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals higher rates of psychosis among all black and ethnic minority subgroups compared to white British individuals. The risk varies by ethnicity and generation, with second-generation immigrants facing a significantly increased risk due to their age profile.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University will conduct a single-site study of 200 AMD patients to determine the effectiveness of a treatment program designed to prevent depression and disability. The Low Vision Depression Prevention Trial aims to improve vision skills in people with AMD, thereby preventing depression and promoting ind...
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that restless nights significantly increase the risk of depression recurrence in older adults. The research suggests that sleep disturbances can act as a precursor to another attack of depression, even in individuals who have not experienced symptoms before.
The Asian Journal of Psychiatry aims to bridge a knowledge gap in psychiatric research and development across Asia, focusing on regional mental health issues. The first issue includes reports on psychosocial responses to disasters, highlighting the need for evidence-based literature on psychiatric disorders in the Asian continent.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have uncovered a molecular circuitry associated with schizophrenia, linking three previously known proteins. The study found that these proteins interact synergistically during normal brain development and are linked to the condition in some patients.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that adding N-acetyl cysteine to usual treatment improved depressive symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for psychiatric disorders, particularly those involving brain glutathione metabolism.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the subcallosal cingulate region significantly improves symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. The procedure showed continued and sustained benefits over time, with no long-term side effects reported.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share a core set of genes involved in nervous system development and cell death. This common genetic signature may provide a window into discovering new brain mechanisms and effective treatments for these debilitating conditions.
A new study has replicated the association between genetic variation in the FKBP5 gene and treatment response to antidepressants, suggesting a potential link to childhood maltreatment. The findings support earlier research implicating the same gene and provide encouragement for personalized medicine approaches to depression treatment.
The NIMH CNTRICS Initiative aims to improve schizophrenia treatment by defining cognitive processes and neural circuits. Cognitive neuroscience insights are being translated into better treatments for impaired cognition in schizophrenia.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that antipsychotic medications can reduce community violence in schizophrenia patients, but only among those with psychotic symptoms. Childhood conduct problems, substance abuse, and poverty remain significant predictors of violent behavior.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry reveals that 54% of Ugandans meet symptom criteria for PTSD, while 67% show signs of depression. The study attributed these findings to the country's history of trauma exposure, including rape, hunger, and lack of medical care.
Researchers found polymorphisms in PSMB4 and TBX21 genes linked to major depression susceptibility and treatment response. Genetic variations may also be relevant to psoriasis and asthma, highlighting the complex interplay between inflammation and mental health.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry suggests a link between dopamine activity and lack of motivation in patients with schizophrenia. The research found that 11 out of 18 patients showed abnormal response to incentives, indicating an underlying brain chemical imbalance.
A recent study suggests that depression care management can improve survival rates in older cancer patients. The research found that comorbid depression shortens survival time with cancer, but intervention with medication and psychotherapy can extend life among cancer patients.
A commentary in Biological Psychiatry highlights attacks on medical researchers conducting non-human primate research, emphasizing their vital role in psychiatric disorder treatment. The authors condemn these acts and advocate for public action to protect scientists.
Researchers discovered a new genetic link between the MEGF10 gene and schizophrenia, finding that a variant of the gene is associated with increased heritability risk. The study also found that the MEGF10 gene is expressed more extensively in post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with schizophrenia.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that mothers' brains show distinct activation patterns when identifying their own infant's cries versus those of other infants. This unique response is thought to be biologically meaningful for successful infant care.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have isolated biomarkers in the blood that identify mood disorders, providing an objective tool for diagnosing and assessing the severity of illness. The discovery may alter the way bipolar illness is diagnosed and treated, offering a new approach to psychiatric treatment.
Michael Davis has made significant advances in understanding the neural basis of fear and its applications to psychiatric research, including a proposal for using NMDA receptor signaling to enhance fear extinction. His work has shown promise in treating disorders such as PTSD, OCD, and social phobia.
A recent study found that adults who were abused in childhood and carried a specific gene variant showed lower measures of depression. The gene variant, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor one (CRHR1), appears to protect against depression in adults who experienced moderate to severe child abuse.
Researchers at McGill University and Université de Montréal found that depression and anxiety can double a patient's chances of repeated heart ailments. Patients with coronary artery disease who had major depression or anxiety were more likely to experience cardiac events over two years.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers reveals that the majority of psychiatry outpatients have more than one disorder when seeking treatment. The study found that patients with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder had the highest number of diagnoses.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the RGS4 gene predict antipsychotic treatment response in schizophrenia patients, with varying predictive power across different ethnic groups. The research highlights the potential for pharmacogenomics to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that paliperidone extended-release tablets were effective in treating schizophrenia symptoms, with improvements seen in social functioning. The treatment's long half life and extended release formulation offer practical advantages over existing treatments.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that erythropoietin, a natural human hormone, may have antidepressant properties. The study found that erythropoietin regulated emotional responses and had neuroprotective effects on neural function, supporting its potential as a treatment strategy for depression.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that psychiatrists are less religious than other physicians but more comfortable addressing patients' spiritual concerns. Psychiatrists are twice as likely to discuss spiritual issues with patients and more likely to encourage patients in their own religious ideas.
A study found that antidepressant non-responders with depression show a significantly better response to lithium augmentation if they carry at least one C-allele, suggesting a potential genetic predictor for treatment response. The GSK3B gene variation may be a key molecular switch related to the clinical effectiveness of lithium.
A new study shows transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to be an effective, non-drug treatment for major depression, with response and remission rates approximately twice those of sham TMS. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients with mild side effects.
Researchers found that former anorexics showed distinct brain pattern differences, particularly in emotional response regions. Their brains were more focused on consequences and planning, suggesting a persistent risk of obsessive thinking. This study may lead to better understanding and treatment development for anorexia nervosa.
A new study found that 18% of bariatric surgery candidates were not psychologically cleared for surgery, citing frequent overeating as a coping mechanism for stress and uncontrolled psychiatric disorders. Researchers emphasize the importance of pre-operative screening to determine suitable surgical candidates.
Researchers found that depression in older people increases the risk of subsequent mental impairment and can act as a predictor of future intellectual decline. The study, which analyzed over 700 patients, showed that depression raises the risk of executive function loss, a key indicator of cognitive decline.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that pedophilia patients exhibit reduced activation of the hypothalamus and frontal cortex when viewing sexually arousing pictures, indicating altered sexual interest. This deficit may predispose individuals vulnerable to pedophilia to seek alternative stimulation.
A mouse model for schizophrenia has been developed, allowing researchers to turn the mutated DISC-1 gene on or off at will. The study showed significant behavioral changes in male mice, including increased activity and aggression, as well as memory difficulties in females.
A nationwide survey of American physicians found that psychiatry is the least religious medical specialty, with Jewish psychiatrists making up over half of the field. The study also revealed that religious physicians are less likely to refer patients to psychiatrists and more likely to send them to clergy or counselors. This gap in rel...
A new study suggests that loss of treatment response may be due to loss of placebo response, indicating patients who were not true drug responders experienced a relapse. The study's findings challenge the common interpretation of tachyphylaxis as a loss of efficacy in antidepressant activity.
Researchers found that antidepressant medicines normalized decreased brain blood flow in patients with depression, while electroconvulsive therapy was associated with additional decreases. Objective imaging evaluations may support subjective clinical decisions in treating depression.
The Bipolar Disorder Phenome Database offers a comprehensive resource for researchers to identify genes linked to bipolar disorder, utilizing over 5,000 patients' clinical data and DNA samples. This database complements existing genetic data and enables researchers to correlate specific symptoms with genetic material.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that antidepressants significantly lower the risk of suicide attempt in young adults ages 18 to 25, even those with severe depression.
Eran D. Metzger, a psychiatrist at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, has been named a Practice Change Fellow by The Atlantic Philanthropies to improve mental health care for elderly patients. The program aims to expand the number of health-care leaders who can promote high-quality care to older adults in various organizations.
Dr. Hugh Hendrie receives prestigious Jack Weinberg Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to geriatric psychiatry research and clinical practice
A new study reveals that intensive forms of talk therapy, particularly transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), can reduce symptoms and improve social functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). TFP was found to show improvement in ten out of twelve domains studied, including reduced suicidal behaviors and i...
A Pitt School of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adding a medication to a standard treatment regimen for major depressive disorder in the elderly improves chances of recovery. The study showed that recovery rates increased from 40% to 60% when adding a second drug to the treatment.
Researchers used metabolomics to analyze blood chemicals in patients with schizophrenia before and after treatment, revealing distinct chemical signatures that differ according to the medication used. The findings may lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment planning, and a deeper understanding of the disease's causes and effects.
The New Orleans Metropolitan Area Family Resiliency Project aims to enhance mental health services for children and first responders, reduce individual and family symptoms, and improve school performance. The program will also develop prevention and intervention strategies for future disasters.
A University of Iowa study found antidepressant treatment improves post-stroke cognitive abilities, including executive function, in stroke survivors. The improvements occurred 21 months after treatment ended and were independent of changes in depression.
Researchers found a specific area of the genome on chromosome 2 associated with attempted suicide, bipolar disorder and major depression. The study identified a high degree of genetic similarity among family members with a history of attempted suicide and bipolar disorder.
A Stanford-led study has identified a specific region on chromosome 15 that may be linked to severe depression. The research, which analyzed 650 families with a history of repeated bouts of severe depression, found highly significant evidence for genetic linkage to the condition.